Sexual experiences are an interesting combination of bodily functions that, if you just go with the flow, seem like a single indivisible process. But if you look more closely at the mechanics and try to take it apart you will find that things that seemed connected or even synonymous are actually separate parts that give the appearance of a whole.
Complexities of Tantra
It is possible to ejaculate without having an orgasm, to orgasm or even lose your erection from the hormonal release without ejaculating.
The individual body functions can be observed independently and, whether you like it or not, by continuing with tantric techniques you will see the illusionary curtain drop in one way or another.
The main energies or mechanisms I have identified so far are ejaculation, orgasm, and ejaculation energy. While I'm still not entirely sure, I believe the ramp I have observed from time to time might be a fourth mechanism or might be related to one of the three.
Hormonal Ramp & Loss of the Erection
I believe the ramp is the hormonal release associated with ejaculation since it is always linked to increased penile sensitivity and loss of the erection.
Yet, like every sexual mechanism, it is malleable. One can experience the ramp without ejaculating and still lose the erection. That means retaining the sperm while gaining the hormonal response.
While I usually count the ramp as a failure, since the goal is to properly convert the energy rather than allow it to convert into a local hormonal release, it nevertheless adds a new layer to tantric practice.
The Tantric Goal
An orgasm without ejaculating, with full conversion and redirection of the energy into the brain while retaining the erection but with reduced horniness, is the goal. That is what I consider the tantric state.
Yet there are other things our bodies hide. Ejaculating without having an orgasm is a strange curiosity. Having a full hormonal response through the ramp without ejaculating is likewise odd. What was that? It wasn't the tantric technique. I felt like I had just ejaculated, but I also felt like nothing was lost.
There are many complex overlaps.
I believe the best path is to follow your instinct. If something feels right, do more of it. If it feels wrong, avoid it.
The conversion and redirection of energy feels like the most real and desirable path for me. Everything else is just noise and experimentation.